If LIV Golf cannot survive beyond this season without Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, two-time major champion Bryson DeChambeau said he would focus on growing his YouTube channel and play in tournaments that want him, per the report.
DeChambeau, practicing Tuesday in preparation for this week’s LIV Golf tournament at Trump National Golf Club, said he wants to expand his YouTube presence — possibly growing the channel threefold — including dubbing content into different languages to reach a wider audience, and to compete where he is welcome, the report says.
He acknowledged having had some conversations with the PGA Tour but said those talks did not outline a clear pathway back if LIV dissolves. DeChambeau suggested the PGA Tour could impose severe penalties on players who return, calling potential punishment “quite unfortunate in my opinion, considering what I could do for them.” The report notes he was among the biggest stars to join the breakaway circuit and was one of 11 golfers who sued the PGA Tour later in 2022 before withdrawing from that federal lawsuit in May 2023.
Per the report, the PGA Tour appears to hold leverage after the PIF announced last week it will no longer fund the circuit with $30 million purses. DeChambeau said he was “completely shocked,” adding that he had been told financing would extend through 2032. His contract with LIV Golf expires after this season, and when asked if he had concerns about PIF not paying out the remainder of his deal he replied, “Your guess is as good as mine.”
DeChambeau also called for cooperation between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour, saying “the egos need to get dropped” and that a merger would require concessions from both sides. He discussed the need for a stronger business plan, suggested team franchises could be worth close to $200 million, and expressed confidence that LIV CEO Scott O’Neil and the league’s new independent board and advisers could attract new investors. He added that the PGA Tour is also restructuring its business, reducing field sizes and cutting employees.
DeChambeau faces a decision soon with his contract expiring after the season, and the report notes that O’Neil was asked earlier Tuesday whether DeChambeau would have a new contract before taking LIV Golf to market.
